Itinerary

Commence the day with the visit of Slovene »royal« city Celje. The city was the seat of counts of Celje, one of the most influential families in Central Europe in the middle ages. Their biggest opponents were Habsburgs, later Austrian royal family, which took over their estates in 16th century. Three yellow stars in Slovenia’s coat of arms were adopted by Counts of Celje. The city with an old castle used to be – together with Maribor and Ptuj – one of the pillars of German nationalism in Styria region which is today devided into Slovenia and Austria. One of the fastest growing entrepreneurial communities in the country is home to handball and hops.

Continue your trip to Žiče to visit Charterhouse (a Chartusian monastery), built for monks from the Great Charterhouse in France. It was established by the Margrave of Styria, Ottokar III, in 12th century and is believed to be the oldest Charterhouse in Central Europe and the first out from its homelands France and Italy. Listen to interesting stories about »dark« medieval time, religious life and witches while walking around estate. Religious life here ended with the decreet of Emperor Joseph II in 1782. Seat down, sip a coffee and enjoy the tranquility of the relaxing green surronding. After lunch – the guide will advise you about quality lunch options in the vicinity – we look forward to tasting some award winning local wines from Styria region in a nearby wine cellar. On the way back – optional – we can stop in Žalec, a town which has become famous for its first beer fountain in the world.

On the way you can discuss with the guide the following issues

Slovenia’s automotive industry, drinking habits in Slovenia, the beginnings of Slovenian statehood, relations with our neighbours … or whatever might be interesting from your personal/professional point of view. Noricum travel – a small group travel.